Longtime Downey resident William Hills, 93, died Jan 1, 2015. William C. Hills, 93, passed away Jan 1, 2015 at Southland Care Center. He was born Oct 9, 1921 at Alhambra Hospital in Alhambra, CA to Emily and William G. Hills.

Mr. Hills grew up in Walnut Park, CA. He graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1940 and had a 2 year degree in engineering from Compton Jr. College.

He was a Navy veteran having enlisted in 1942, was stationed at Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle, WA for aviation ordnance school and had training at Norton Bomb Site school in Dalgren, VA. Mr. Hills then served in the Central Pacific with a carrier aircraft service unit, landing on Tarawa in 1943. He returned to the U.S. and was discharged from San Pedro Naval Air Station with a rating of aviation ordnance first class.

William married Elizabeth Anne Ahl in 1947 and moved to Downey in 1950. He worked for North American Aviation from 1950-1987 in the engineering department.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hills was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth and sister Violet. Mr. Hills is survived by daughter Michelle and husband Omer of Wilkesboro, NC and son Steven and wife Sara of Riverside, CA. There are 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A private service will be held at San Gabriel Cemetery on Sat, Jan 10, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Downey Meals on Wheels, Inc, 10909 New St, Downey, CA 90241.

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Published: Jan. 8, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 39